The increases, attributed to increasing feedstock costs, became effective on Wednesday and include those sought by INEOS ABS for 3 cents/lb for all of its ABS material; SABIC for 5 cents/lb for its extruded pipe and sheet ABS products; and Styron for 5 cents/lb for its ABS.

The higher end of the ABS domestic prices for each type, impact grade and quantity level increased by 5 cents/lb to reflect the producers’ increases.

Buyers questioned the amount of the increases to some extent, but, at the same time, said they understand when feedstock costs rise, producers are going to pass on the increases to their customers.

One buyer said it appears that ABS producers are playing up the rising cost of feedstock butadiene and the subsequent tightness in the market as justification for their push for higher prices.

The buyer said a majority of the purchases are for restocking efforts and are not indicative of market performance at this point. If the strength continues through mid-February, the buyer said the sentiment may change.